identity crisis

noun

a period or episode of psychological distress, often occurring in adolescence but sometimes in adulthood, when a person seeks a clearer sense of self and an acceptable role in society.
confusion as to goals and priorities.
The company is undergoing an identity crisis.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of identity crisis¹

First recorded in 1950–55

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But the group continues to have an identity crisis.

From

If you enjoyed your job and found purpose in it, the loss can be devastating and bring a grief-filled identity crisis.

From

The Hindustan Times newspaper called it a film grappling with "an identity crisis, an overlong run time and a confused mess of a script".

From

I really have spent a lot of time thinking about people who are child-free, people who become moms, the way that you feel invisible afterward, the identity crisis — all of that.

From

For such brands, an absence of hope can result in an identity crisis.

From

identity card identity element

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